Commentary: Therapeutic Reparenting: What Does it Take?

Abstract

The Circle Program is a therapeutic model of foster care in Victoria. Oz Child has delivered this model of foster care in partnership with The Australian Childhood Foundation and the Department of Human Services over the last four years. Therapeutic foster care is designed to assist children entering care to heal from the affects of trauma and abuse. A significant benefit of therapeutic care is the provision and emphasis on a supportive therapeutic environment for the child in everyday interactions with the carer. It is through the child's relationship with the carer that healing can begin. In order to provide such an environment carers are trained, assessed and accredited to have a working understanding of the impact of trauma and abuse, and are provided with tools and strategies to therapeutically re-parent these children. Carers are an integral part of the team and work alongside placement workers and clinicians to understand the impact of trauma and abuse. Together they develop strategies and interventions that are therapeutic and address the impact of trauma on all aspects of the child's development and wellbeing. While considering outcomes for children within a therapeutic model it is crucial to identify particular interpersonal and parenting characteristics held by carers. This commentary will consider the defining characteristics required to be a therapeutic foster carer.